Diagnosis: 6-7 scale rows on cheeks; lateral line incomplete; caudal peduncle very short; caudal fin truncate (Ref. 57397). Usually a pored lateral line is lacking, but if present, only 4-6 scales of dorsally curving series pored; 16 principal caudal rays with 1 procurrent ray on each lobe; 1st pelvic ray with anterior and posterior branches projecting a little beyond fin membrane; caudal peduncle conspicuously short; 10 abdominal and 13 caudal vertebrae; 3 predorsal bones (supraneurals) in front of 1st dorsal pterygiophore (Ref. 81649).

Coloration: dull brown; head and sides with irregular dark brown/black spots sometimes forming a marbled pattern (Ref. 57397; 81649). Dark band from anterior base of dorsal fin through eye to snout tip; second dark band from ventrocaudal margin of eye ventrocaudally over cheek to ventral side of body anterior to pelvic fin base; distal parts of soft dorsal and anal fin, caudal and pectoral fins transparent; pelvics and spinous part and base of soft dorsal and anal fins brown (Ref. 81649). Fins seeming rayless when viewed form certain angles (Ref. 57397).